Abstract.
Mammalian lactoferrin (Lf) receptors are suggested to have pivotal roles for mediating multiple functions of Lf. In this review, we focus on current knowledge of the structure and function of mammalian Lf receptors, mainly the first cloned Lf receptor that has been shown to be expressed in the infant small intestine at high levels but also in virtually all other tissues. The small intestinal Lf receptor takes up iron from Lf into cells and presumably exerts other physiological functions. Other Lf receptors in various tissues have also been reported to mediate some functions of Lf, such as modulating immune function, inhibiting platelet aggregation and enhancing collagen gel contractile strength. The detailed mechanisms behind the receptor-Lf interactions still need to be elucidated.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Suzuki, Y.A., Lopez, V. & Lönnerdal, B. Lactoferrin. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 62, 2560 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-005-5371-1
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-005-5371-1